noviteti

Noviteti refers to a collection of early Christian writings that were later deemed heretical by the mainstream church. These texts are primarily associated with the Gnostic movement, which flourished in the 2nd and 3rd centuries CE. The term itself is Latin and translates to "new things" or "novelties," reflecting the Gnostics' belief in possessing secret knowledge or revelations not found in traditional scriptures.

The contents of noviteti are diverse, encompassing gospels, acts of apostles, apocalypses, and theological treatises. Notable examples include the Gospel of Thomas, the Gospel of Mary, and the Gospel of Philip. These writings often present alternative accounts of Jesus' life and teachings, emphasizing spiritual enlightenment and the liberation of the soul from the material world. They frequently feature complex cosmologies and a dualistic worldview, positing a distinction between a supreme, unknowable God and a lesser, flawed creator deity responsible for the material universe.

The Church Fathers, such as Irenaeus and Tertullian, actively opposed and condemned the noviteti, considering them to be distortions of authentic Christian doctrine. Their critique focused on what they perceived as the Gnostics' unorthodox interpretations of scripture, their hierarchical understanding of divinity, and their rejection of the physical creation. As a result of this opposition, most of the noviteti were suppressed and lost for centuries.

The discovery of the Nag Hammadi library in Egypt in 1945 provided a significant breakthrough in understanding these texts. This collection contained a substantial number of Gnostic writings, including many previously unknown noviteti. The study of these newly accessible documents has offered invaluable insights into the diversity of early Christian thought and the historical development of Christian theology.